Despite the higher cost of living than other Caribbean islands, the quality of life is worth it. As of the 2020 census, the population of St Thomas was just over 42,000. However, the US Virgin Island is also facing some major challenges. Overlooks like Paradise Point and Drakes Seat will give you some of the most beautiful, panoramic views of St Thomas. 21 Best Trails for Hiking in St John USVI (2023 Guide), How to Get to Virgin Gorda (Travel Guide 2023), Pros and Cons of Living in St Thomas in 2023, Conclusion: Living in St Thomas Pros and Cons in 2022, The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in St Thomas. The island is also seeing an increase in drug-related crimes, such as possession and distribution of drugs. There are also a number of museums and historical sites to explore. As per the Police Commissioner, Trevor Velinor in 2020 there was double the amount of robberies, a 14% increase in homicides, 24% increase in domestic violence calls and an increasing in shooting assaults when compared to 2019. Whatever the reasons for the increase in crime, it is clear that it is a problem that needs to be addressed. With no sales tax being applied, customers are able to save an average of 8-9% on all their purchases throughout the city. USVI warns its citizens and travelers about theft, assault, and drug violence. In addition, the islands economy is largely reliant on tourism So, that many of the job opportunities available are seasonal and require specialized skills. A key feature in Smith Bay Park is Lindquist beach has clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming. includes St Croix, operate under U.S. law which Consider each key point carefully if youre thinking about living in St. Thomas soon so that it can be a wonderful experience. As a general rule, the pros of living in St Lucia are the rich culture, stable currency, easy access to international cities and beautiful natural scenery. St Thomas is similar to any US city; there will always be some amount of crime and youll always have to use your best judgment to be careful in some areas. You can own a home or apartment in St Thomas for $200,000-$400,000 and up. The pros of living in St Thomas are its low crime rate, stable currency, beautiful natural scenery and incredible beaches. While St. John is doing much better economically and socially than St. Thomas, it is still facing some drug-related issues. The tax rates on St. Thomas are usually beneficial for most families. It's a US Territory 8. Depending on what youre looking for in your new home, this could be a pro or a con! A church was built in 1660, and then attempts to colonize the area began in earnest around 1665. This This includes rental cars, bike rentals, and private shuttle services. Tourism is the primary industry on St. Thomas, with over 2 million visitors stopping by the entire USVI chain annually Over 50% of those tourists come through the capital of the island, Charlotte Amalie, come to tour the towns and enjoy duty-free shopping. They frequently track hurricane radars, and youll be given many days notice to prepare or evacuate for an incoming storm. Subway and buses are great. 2-3 bedroom apartments range anywhere from $2,000-$4,000, on average. St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, however for shipping purposes it is treated as an international destination. The islands offer an authorized 90% reduction in the personal and corporate income taxes that are paid each year. During the winter months, the temperatures can be a bit cooler, but the weather remains pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Unless you secure a job before making your move here, you may need to dip into your savings quite a bit to make ends meet at first. Check out all the hikes in St John in the Virgin Island National Park before you go! The housing prices are expensive, but the area is still widely attractive for people who want a peaceful life away from the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the reasons why this part of the infrastructure is lacking is due to the cost of transporting goods to the island in the first place. I cant imagine anyone would get tired of walking outside to the clear waters, white sand, palm trees, and mountains. Does St. Thomas offer a Tax-free shopping experience? St. Thomas has two cruise ports - - The West India Company Dock (almost universally referred to as Havensight) and Crown Bay. Getting from St Thomas to St John or the British Virgin Islands is as easy as hopping on a ferry! Its also good to know youll be in a territory with a stable currency. These include the British Virgin Islands. along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most St Thomas is a dependency of the United States of America and as such uses the US dollars. The island is facing an increase in drug trafficking, which is having a negative impact on the local economy. It is the smallest of the three islands, and the most unpopulated and underdeveloped. Both are located on the south side of the island not far from Charlotte Amalie. For more active beach goers there are sandy coves with activities like windsurfing and kayaking. The people of St. Thomas (and the USVI as a whole) are friendly, but it is up to you to start making new friends. Ive been dreaming of that permanent vacation life for a long time. And if you didnt know, island fever is real! Also U.S. Cons of Living in St.Croix 1. Are drug and poverty big issues in St. Thomas? Pros and Cons of Living in St Thomas in 2022 Pros of Living in St Thomas 1. If you love the idea of being able to hopper over to explore more islands, St Thomas is a great home base. 2. For an island that is 32 square miles and hosts millions of people each year, you can expect to spend some time on those 2-lane roads. There is no need for a visa to enter St. Thomas and the island is open to visitors from all over the world. There are a wide variety of real estate options available (for an island, of course). 5. Like all places, you should be smart and cautious around the island. + Easy to get around:- With a flat terrain and well-maintained roads, the island of St. Thomas is easily navigable and offers plenty of transportation options. Entertainment abounds, from music and dance to theatre and art. Great location for getting away. 4. Join a gym, take a fitness class, or go skating at one of the local outdoor rinks. You will also be taxed on your global income not just what you earn from your work on the island. Living in St Louis Is a Blast. It is a popular tourist destination with its miles of sandy beaches, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. However, compared to St Thomas, St John is also the most expensive of the US Virgin Islands, and that included being a permanent resident. If you want to live in a crime-free area, then St. John is a better choice than living in St. Thomas. Schedule to discuss partnering:https://calendly.com/chatwithdania======If this is your first time to this channel, and you want to know everything about eating, sleeping, working, playing, the good, and the bad of living in St. Thomas Ontario and London Ontario Canada, then subscribe and tap the bell for notifications so you can be the first to know about the current market in St. Thomas \u0026 London Ontario Canada. ====We get calls and emails every day from people just like you, looking for help on making their move to St. Thomas \u0026 London Ontario and we absolutely love it. Whether you are moving in 3 weeks or 3 months, give us a call, shoot us a text, or send us an email so we can help you make a smooth move to St. Thomas \u0026 London Ontario ======All About Living In London Ontario Canada Blog: https://www.sellinglondonwithdania.ca/blog.php ====**Most stats and data mentioned came from the following sites and are not based on our opinions: https://www.areavibes.com/ https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/index.aspxhttps://www.tripadvisor.ca/Google Mapshttps://www.pictramap.com/Dania Parker-Smith Real Estate Agent | Ontario Real Estate License: 5012691 | eXp Realty, BrokerageLegal Disclaimers - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make a commission on sales you make through my link. All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have It Tourism. Since 2018, the city's population growth has been steadily increasing, with an average of 0.66% growth each year. Every year, the island experiences periods of devastating storms, some of which have been catastrophic in terms of destruction and loss of life. Guns are used twice as often in a robbery and three times more often during an assault incident than the global average. Auto, plus McDonald's, Wendy's and Pizza Hut. Milk and meat are usually the surprisingly higher expenses youll have to adjust to on an island. Summer Heat: The summer months can be extremely hot in St. Augustine, making it uncomfortable for some residents. Living in St. Thomas CONS 1. There are also plenty of attractions to experience and explore during your journey, making the trip even more enjoyable. But, of course, island life isnt for everyone! The US Virgin Islands are working hard to address these issues and to improve the quality of life for their citizens. When you move fully prepared for the changes that will take place, then the adverse issues with surprise problems becomes a minimal risk. Isolation can be an issue when living in St. Thomas. Many of the major chains have made it to the island, so youll have access to the goods you want. Living on an island is definitely different than the mainland when it comes to the affordability of necessities. Many of the experiences that you will have are the same as any other destination as an American citizen. Another well-loved beach on the island is Coki beach. That includes rental income, which gets taxed at a flat rate of 10% and is withheld by the tenant. 8. Unfortunately, but similar to many other cities, crime increased during COVID, with a 14% increase in homicides and a 24% increase in domestic violence calls. + Tax-free shopping:- With no sales tax and reduced prices on many items, St. Thomas offers a unique shopping experience. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Pros of living in Estonia: Cons of living in Estonia: Long term Digital nomad and Startup Visas are easy to obtain : You need to pay 20% taxes or do border runs after six months: Tallinn is one of the healthiest cities in the world to live in: Cold weather with harsh winters almost no night time in summers Because of this, many jobs available will be in hospitality and retail. US Citizens can bring home $1600 worth of duty-free items back to the United States every 30 days. Despite the laidback nature of the island, youll find that it stays busy and tends to offer a sophisticated living experience. The international airport for the US Virgin Islands is in St Thomas and it is called Cyril E King. Everything feels familiar in the Virgin Islands. A 3-bedroom house in a good neighborhood on the island will go for about $250,000, and that usually includes a view of the water. Housing costs on St. Thomas are surprisingly affordable. 6. informal reception. It has good schools and hospitals, and a variety of amenities and activities to keep everyone busy. Additionally, the citys economy has been struggling in recent years, which may have led to more people turning to crime out of desperation. There are scouting troops available for the boys and girls. St. Thomas is the most populated island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. All in all, getting around in St. Thomas is a great experience. Required fields are marked *. In terms of snorkeling, Coki beach is one of the best options in St Thomas. Pros & Cons of Living In The US Virgin Islands, Living In The British Virgin Islands (Pros & Cons), Best Caribbean Islands For Solo Female Travelers, St Lucia Vs St Thomas: Which Island Is Better For A Vacation, Your email address will not be published. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. St. Louis offers unique experiences, cultural attractions, and beautiful landmarks to explore. St. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. dhruva stuti bhagavatam. Employment can be a significant problem when you start living in St. Thomas. Of course, for every positive, there is a negative. Island fever can be a real thing, no surprise when youre living in the middle of an ocean! Thats about 20% cheaper than what you will find on St. John. It can cost a bit more to arrive than a new home in the mainland, but it doesnt take long to adjust to the slower pace of island live in the USVI. So, whatre the pros and cons of living in St. Thomas? The vibrant Caribbean island of St. Thomas is no stranger to hurricanes, as it is located within the heart of the Atlantics hurricane belt. Because of this, youll have access to major international airports like Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC. This beach is perfect for beginners and individuals new to snorkeling. Let us help! When you start living in St. Thomas, then the turquoise seas are going to be something you can enjoy all year long. Poor Air Quality: The city has poor air quality, with high levels of pollution, making it a concern for those with respiratory issues. Goods are less available in St Thomas, as they are with most islands! Additionally, crime is a problem in some areas of the city. It is best to visit during low tide if you will like to walk across this strip. With that being said, you can most likely find a room in your budget somewhere on the island. Plan ahead and take into consideration instances where there is current road construction. Diverse economy. Hurricane season is something that you will need to consider. Living in St Thomas, youll also be incredibly close to Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Turks and Caicos, and other popular Caribbean destinations. If youre concerned about the hurricane risk, living in Aruba, farther from the hurricane belt, might be a better option for you. These terminals are Crown Bay Marina, Red Hook Terminal an Edward Blyden Terminal. It is the seat of the Kenora District. 7. of U.S. mortgage, insurance and banking companies offer also, for residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands, there is If the property is newer then that, then the maximum rent allowed for the property is the initial amount charged during the lease signing. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. living in st thomas pros and cons If you can find the beauty in winter, it will be that much easier to get through it! The USVI are pro-tenant when it comes to the landlord-tenant relationship for renting. The most popular time people choose to visit St Thomas is from December to April. Overall, living in St Thomas has its pros and cons, as does any city! Pros Space and Privacy. The island life offers so many beautiful benefits, being steps away from the beach, so close to breathtaking scenery, protected nature, and wildlife all around. For the more adventurous, St. Thomas is a great place to explore with its numerous coves and bays, as well as its many hiking trails. You might know USVI as a favorite stop for some due to the $1600 duty-free law! St Thomas Virgin Islands is the second largest of the three main US Virgin Islands territories with 32 square miles of land. St. Thomas is located in the St. Thomas, Ontario, is known for its cold and long winters. However, you give up a bit of convivence to live this slow life. 5. The island welcomes tourists from all over the world with its pristine beaches and protected lands. The tax-free shopping experience at St. Thomas is a great way to save money and have a unique shopping experience. The property taxes imposed on real estate when you start living in St. Thomas are 1.25% of the assessed value. Is St Thomas expensive? The city has a population of approximately 45,000 people and is situated on the Bay of Quinte. You can get anywhere without walking if you don't want to. retail stores such as K-Mart, Radio Shack, and Western Beachfront properties are minimal when you start looking for a home. Is St. Thomas, Ontario, a great place to live. St. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather. Learn about the pros \u0026 cons of living in St. Thomas Ontario? Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, no estate or inheritance tax. Quinte West is a popular tourist destination Kenora is a city in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. A sandwich that would cost you $5 outside of city limits might cost $10 within. St Croix is also home to a national park and right off the coast is Buck Island, home to Turtle Beach, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and home to some of the most incredible coral reefs in the Caribbean. St Thomas is a great place to live due to its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty. Living In St Thomas (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), What Is the Best Currency For St Vincent & The Grenadines. local service. Youll need your Social Security card, a passport, and other identification papers. There are relatively few shopping destinations that you can find on St. Thomas or the USVI in general. The island is home to numerous farms that sell everything from tropical favorites like bananas and mangoes to lesser-known local fruits. Your US Visitors Don't Need a Passport! The last major earthquake that affected St Thomas was in 1867 which led to a tsunami which caused major damage to the island. As with any small island, there are only so many businesses and industries that can be supported. If youre looking for a place to call home that has it all, you may want to consider St. Thomas, Ontario. St. Thomas above others? Cost of living:- St. Thomas is an expensive place to live, and the cost of living is higher than in many other Caribbean islands. Pro: Beach life at your fingertips. The median cost of a home in St. Augustine is $352,100, which means that you get a really wonderful home in a great community, and a great neighborhood and still be walking distance to downtown and the beach. According to the latest figures, the average cost of a home in the city is $422,000, while the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,600. If you decide to move back to the mainland, then you can keep the furnishings with your property to give yourself a better price. Youre just not going to be living in a state unless the USVI make an effort for statehood that Congress approves in the future. In addition to it's long and rich As such, those looking for long-term and stable employment may find it difficult to find a job in St. Thomas. So, your friends in the US not only have a cool friend on an island, but they also won't need to jump through any hoops to get to you! They also elect governors every four years and have 15 district senators holding two-year terms 7 from St Croix, 7 from St Thomas, and 1 from St John. The land is green and beautiful. St. Thomas offers visitors a wealth of cultural experiences and a unique mix of cultures. The island is known for its beaches, shopping malls, and resorts. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea make the beach a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. 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